Introduce Me: Get to Know 5 Brits Defining the Sound of 2018

January 11, 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of “Introduce Me” (catch up on the first five here), where we present 5 new artists that you should be listening to. I decided to switch it up a bit since it’s the start of a new year. This edition is focused on 5 new artists — all from the UK, all helping to define the sound of 2018. Get familiar. Jump to the bottom for the complete playlist.

1. JGRREY (South London, England)

With just two songs available on Spotify, JGrrey is already commanding a space for herself in the R&B/Soul realm and ready to take over 2018. She released her second single, ‘Don’t Fade’, in December after teasing us with one of the best Colors performances to date. While JGrrey does that undeniable British ting, blending jazz-tinged soul with production sounds from 2030, what sets her apart is the delicious vocal delivery and an almost grime attitude in her songwriting. And we’re hooked. You’re going to be hearing more from this multi-talented lady in 2018 so be ready.

2. MAHALIA (Leicester, England)

Fans of Rudimental might recognize her voice from 2015’s We the Generation album and the song she was featured on by the same name. Mahalia released Diary of Me in 2016, then fast forward to September 2017 when she blessed us with one of the other best Colors performances of 2017, delivering a smooth rendition of the throwback R&B single ‘Sober’, and ended out the year with ‘No Pressure’ (below), a raw and reflective song about pressure and the music industry. Her second album is due out later this year and she’s working with a few notable producers including Nineteen85 (who made ‘Hotline Bling’). Keep a close eye on Mahalia, we have a feeling 2018 will be a huge year for her. And if you’re in the UK catch her on tour with Jorja Smith.

3. IAMDDB (Manchester, England)

We first mentioned IAMDDB back in August, after hearing her on Julie Adenuga’s Beats 1 show. I’ve been addicted ever since. IAMDDB (which stands for I Am Diana DeBrito) has since released a new EP, Hoodrich Vol 3, and made the longlist for the BBC Sound of 2018 (we predict she’ll make the top 5 as well). Especially bangin’ if you enjoy ABRA, Ravyn Lenae, or Little Simz. Press play if you’re into urban jazz, trap, or chilled music. If this is what the future sounds like you can count us in.

Side note: You should keep it G and also listen to my other favorite track that started this love affair, “Teardrops“.

4. CHRYSTAL (Bolton, England)

Chrystal came out with one of the most exciting debuts in 2017 with the bold and funny banger ‘Waves’ (below) in a style similar to Katy B and Lily Allen yet in a class all of her own. Chrystal’s second single ‘New Shoes’ solidifies the fact that she’s one to have on your radar for 2018 and we couldn’t be happier about it. As the singer and producer tells i-D about the song, “I was really on a high when I wrote that song. Even though I didn’t really have anything at the time and I didn’t really have as much to show for what I was doing, I just felt in me that there was change and that something was going to happen. I just thought, I’m going to go to the top on my own.” We can get behind that.

5. Elli Ingram (London, England)

Alright, so Elli Ingram has been in the game for a hot minute – she garnered a lot of attention with her soulful rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s “Poetic Justice” (one of my favorite covers still to this day). Her Sober EP, released on Chase and Status’ MTA Records, and The Doghouse came out in 2013 and 2014 respectively. However, there’s still a lot of people, especially those in the states, that haven’t heard her music. Her latest album, Love You Really, was one of the most overlooked albums of 2017. It’s British soul at its finest. No frills here, simply talent. Start with ‘Table For Two’ (below), ‘Better Alone’, and ‘Getaway’. Actually, just listen to the whole album from start to finish and then tell me you don’t feel that.